Exactly what it looks like - a clusterbomb match with all of the tag teams involved in a tornado-style match. The final three men in the matchup (Kane, Damian Sandow, and Titus O'Neil) get taken out by a vengeful 3MB (Heath Slater, Jinder Mahal, Drew McIntyre) for not being involved on the card (ref bump, or make it no-DQ). In the aftermath, O'Neil manages to pin Kane, then suffers from a well-timed Cross Rhodes giving the Rhodes Scholars the victory.

How we got here: None needed.

Likelyhood: Unlikely, but why not?

MATCH #2: Bare-knuckle Brawl Match

William Regal vs Wade Barrett

Winner: Wade Barrett

This match will serve similarly for Barrett as Edge's match against Mick Foley at Mania 22 - albeit without the flaming table and bloodshed (unfortunately). As you'll see down the card with the scenarios I lay out, Barrett shouldn't suffer from not being in a main-event match and since he's on the rise, a match like this could serve to do him wonders. Expect a ton of physicality and a good buildup from Regal as this would likely be his swan song - unless he pulls out a heroic performance which could give him a rub towards being in the WHC picture later in the year (fanboys wetdream, eh?). Either way, Barrett emerges, barely, in what will be known as his signature match for years.

How we got here: Not needed.

Likelyhood: Decent

MATCH #3: Attraction Match

Sheamus vs Mark Henry

Winner: Mark Henry

I think with Henry back, built up again to be an unstoppable monster, could be a good opportunity for a decent match between Henry and Sheamus in the undercard of Mania. Doesn't give Sheamus much to do, but they could begin a rivarly here that escalates into the upper card of post-Mania PPV's - ending up with one or both of them back in the WHC hunt.

How we got here: See WHC match.

Likelyhood: Decent

MATCH #4: World Heavyweight Championship

Randy Orton (C) vs Dolph Ziggler vs The Miz

Winner and new Champion: The Miz

Went back and forth with all the possible permutations here and had several different matches in mind. However, it does seem that Orton is going to be in the title hunt soon, whether face or heel, and coming into Mania as champion and losing would seem to be a good way to begin the heel process - perhaps even feuding with a face Miz post-Mania. As explained below, after Orton defeats Ziggler in the SD EC match, Miz announces he wants to face Orton being the winner of the 2013 Rumble. Of course, Ziggler wants his return match after facing 5 other men and a returning Henry at EC, so we have a triple threat return in a main event of Mania. Two "future cornerstones" against the vet Orton - should be an exciting matchup.

Filler, filler, and more filler. Did I mention filler? Six guys who will likely be on the outside looking in as far as the upper card goes, and with so much to follow and a decent mix of talent here, could be better than it sounds.

How we got here: None needed.

Likelyhood: Decent

HALFWAY THERE PYRO...WOOHOO!!!

Match #6: Loser Retires Forever Match

Triple H vs Brock Lesnar

Winner: Brock Lesnar

The two premier matches below pretty much leave this match as the only possibility for these two, and at least gives closure on what is sort of an open wound to this rivalry. Now, they've got quite a bit of work to do to rebuild this matchup, as at least in my opinion, they destoyed quite a bit of potential with their lackluster match at Summerslam. The build for this would be similar to HBK's final match and gives the proper stage and feel for H's final in-ring performance. However, for this to work, I want to see what I thought I was going to see at SS - Bane vs Batman type brutality. I want to feel like H, who comes in in tip-top shape, musters all he can but simply cannot overcome the brute physicality of Lesnar. It puts Lesnar back over as a dominant heel destoyer rather than the sniveling crying Lesnar who quits every other week and gives the next year of Lesnar (probable since I can't see how he wouldn't go for another year at his previous money/workload) as something we have to see. I don't H will mind putting Lesnar over in his farewell match as long as Lesnar signs for another year or two, especially with Mania 30 looming next year.

How we got here: Could happen a multitude of ways - could be as simple as H coming out to make an announcement and Lesnar interferes, or he calls him out. Or Lesnar returns at the RAW after the Rumble and starts the roll towards Mania.

Likelyhood: Perhaps

MATCH #7: Attraction Match

Big Show vs Ryback

Winner: Ryback

As has been reported lately, this matchup would give Ryback a little bit of a needed infusement after his couple of title matches in the latter stages of 2013. Not much else to say, but seems to be a good bet in happening.

Summary: Meh...haha.

Likelyhood: Probable

MATCH #8: Streak Match

Undertaker vs CM Punk

Winner: Undertaker

It's a fresh matchup for the Deadman and obviously high profile. There would even be some that would undoubtedly think that Punk has a shot to end the streak. The lead-up as explained below keeps Taker fresh until EC, and then the 5-week build to Mania really begins. Punk's attitude and defiance against the mainstay that is the Undertaker. In one man's opinion, this match could easily be one of the best in Mania history.

How we got here: As somewhat explained below until EC, although there would be subtle hints in the lead-up to EC that would "pay off" at the PPV. EC - Punk vs Rock, Taker's gong hits, lights go out while Rock is down. Taker tombstones Punk, disappears. Rock wonders what happened, sees Punk down, reluctantly pins him.

No clue here. Hopefully something with kickstart a decent woman's feud. Perhaps something around Eve, Tamina, AJ, and Vicki. Either way, all of them will likely be involved in some form or fashion. I wish these Diva Mania matches mattered, but sadly, they haven't really since Mickie James vs. Trish Stratus at Mania 22.

How we got here: None needed.

Likelyhood: 1,000,000%

MATCH #10: WWE Championship

The Rock (C) vs John Cena

Winner and new WWE Champion: John Cena

After running through several different scenarios, this one seems the most likely centering around the WWE Title. CM Punk was the beneficiary of a historical run with the title, surpassing Cena's modern-day record run. But there's little doubt that Rocky is going to have his title match at the Rumble and not lose. The question on everyone's mind is how long would Rock hold the strap, since his schedule around this time will be hectic to say the least. However, I see this as Rock's swan song, and as such, I don't think he will mind being champ and promoting WWE while promoting GI JOE and continuing to work on other projects.

As far as performing at the Elimination Chamber, I'd say if the Rumble winner (Miz) goes for the WHC, the RAW Chamber match would be for the right to face the WWE Champion at Mania - leaving Rock a one-on-one return matchup against Punk. Here is where Punk's Mania course takes off (more below), giving Rock a somewhat tainted win, but gets him through to Mania against the Chamber winner - one John Cena. You have to think that with Rock winning at Mania 28, there was a plan in place for him to return the favor, with the title, cementing Cena as this era's #1 guy. Like it or not, it's a great way for Rock to put Cena over, and brings his 3-year return full circle.

Swagger could be the repackaged returner on the next night's RAW, while Camacho I though was on his way out. Stick him in the pre-show Royale is he's still around.

Special note: Bet your bottom dollar that The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns) will be involved high-profile in some way. They probably won't have a match, but they might get involved in Punk's match, or maybe even a couple matches on the card.

Took a while to come up with this one, so I'm eager to hear thoughts. Hope you enjoyed it and who knows - maybe some of it will happen.
]]>Skyward Cinemahttp://forum.ewrestlingnews.com/entry.php?44145-quot-Realistic-quot-Mania-29-Prediction-Card-ProperConspiracy Theory #1: Brock Lesnar = 1/2/12http://forum.ewrestlingnews.com/entry.php?40222-Conspiracy-Theory-1-Brock-Lesnar-1-2-12
Sat, 31 Dec 2011 10:22:11 GMTCapitalizing on the latest news like a seasoned pro, it's the debut of "Conspiracy Theory", a new wrestling blog that will spread excitement and delightment across the ample plains of the Internet Wrestling Community. I will be your guide through the trials and tribulations of all things professional wrestling (and sports entertainment...there is a difference) and you, my loyal reader, will be enthralled at the knowledge contained herein. Don't be fooled by my post count or blog total - this ain't my first rodeo, kids.

CONSPIRACY THEORY #1: Brock Lesnar = 1/2/12

So back in August of 2011, the IWC was shocked and excited to see that Brock Lesnar, the former WWE Champion and "Next Big Thing", had struck a deal to not only appear in the new WWE '12 video game, but also to be a central point of marketing around the game. The wildfire of contentment spread into the realm of the insane, however, once people took it to mean that Lesnar's return to a squared circle was imminent. At the time, of course, Lesnar was very much under contract with UFC, and he was being paid quite well (some have his figures at north of $6 million per year as a result of his affiliation with UFC and endorsements). But not one to pass up a golden opportunity, and with the apparent "blessing" of Dana White, Brock was free to go romp for a day in Stamford and get himself another good-sized paycheck in return.

And that was that, for the most part. The game came out in November, and Lesnar went and prepared to meet Alistair Overeem for their end of the year bout for the UFC, comfortable with another little bit of financial padding for his family back in the wooded country. These are pretty much the facts as they have been told through various media outlets and 'sources' and such.

But as any good conspiracy theorist will tell you, there is so much more fun in looking at the facts through a different light. What if since their meeting in Stamford back in August, Brock Lesnar and Vince McMahon had this whole thing planned out? Every step of the way - from the video game and the training for the UFC fight, up to the moment Lesnar said he was finished with MMA and he was never coming back? What if McMahon made Lesnar an offer he couldn't refuse, despite his distaste for travelling the roads and being a full time wrestler with WWE? What if...Lesnar knew through training and his overall health conditioning that there was little chance he would be able to stand up to the competition in UFC after two terrible bouts with a nasty abdominal issue?

Surely this isn't giving either man too much credit. I mean, sure - Lesnar was (and still is, as far as I know...at least for a conditionary period after a fight) under contract with UFC when he made his pilgrammage to WWE Headquarters for WWE '12. And Vince McMahon had no wish to possibly jeopardize any working relationship there was between himself and Dana White - a man who has repeatedly stated publically that he himself has contacted Vince occasionally to discuss various topics, including the building up of individual fighter personalities and overall production value of shows. And of course, there is the fact that most people's opinion of good old VKM isn't high due to the lower standard of quality WWE programming that seems to become the norm each and every year - but don't underestimate Vince McMahon. This is the man that had the audacity to purchase nearly every major wrestling territory over time and turn a regional niche activity into a worldwide phenomenon. This is the who purchased WCW from Ted Turner, who took on the federal government (twice) and not only walked away, but won. When opportunity presents itself, Vince can rise to the occasion. And despite the fact his "massive grapefruits" may be schrivelling more and more these days, he has to break out of his self-induced slumber every now and then. Doesn't anyone remember how he brought the old Mr. McMahon back in the summer of 2011 when CM Punk was flipping things on their sides? You could tell he just looooved saying "son of a bitch" with such veracity and strength.

No, Vince is no dummy when it comes to opportunity. But would Brock have even listened? Maybe he did more than listen...maybe he realized back in August that his MMA career was most likely over, and that even though he had made probably close to $40 million over the course of his WWE and UFC career, at 34 years old, he still had a lot of prime money-making years left in him. He has a wife, kids. And just as important, skills. Skills he can use without the fear of major injury (most likely), unlike in UFC, where opponents are trying to decapitate you and spit into your cracked skull. I mean, sure - Lesnar can retire to his backwoods mansion, raise his family, and live out his days away from the spotlight, comfortable...rich. But you only get so many opportunities in this life, and in the end, maybe the incentives that were being offered were just too much to turn down.

Look at it - let's say Vince offers Brock a 3-year contract worth $7 million, guaranteed, the whole works. Lesnar stipulates to 50 dates a year (26 RAW's 13 PPV's, and a smattering of SD appearances each year...maybe even one or two house shows), wants private transportation (or at least financial coverage for any of his own travel units), and pretty much any other thing he wants (championships?). Vince acquesceses, knowing full well that it's a small price to pay to make such a potentially huge deal. Vince has shown in the past that money spent in this regard is of no real concern of his, especially with the marketing and merchandizing opportunities Lesnar brings (the contract likely pays for itself with the first few months, in total). Desperate for an increase in pay per view buys and knowing full well that he has the WWE Network in his back pocket, Vince needs a draw, and the WWE at that present time was just not cutting the mustard.

So a little time goes by, and Vince directs his production team to create some vague vignettes. Normal kinds of things for the WWE, who every so often likes to build up the return of some former star. No one is told who they are for, but Vince knows. He's got Lesnar under contract. So all that was missing was the fight, and what a fight it was. Just a little less than 2:30 into Round One, Brock Lesnar succumbed to Alistair Overeem, a legitimate loss mind you - he knew, remember, that he couldn't win. And right after the TKO, announced in the ring that he was done in UFC. Done in MMA, done fighting...done. Retired.

All the while, these vignettes have been airing every week for two months. The End Begins on 1-2-12 - the familiar face coming back to reclaim what it his. What the man formerly dominated before he left to pursue other interests. And on that Monday night, the last vignette airs. Cuts right into the RAW opening, stage black. His music, a new version of the semi-iconic tune, blares over the arena. And there he is. Standing on the ramp, just 71 hours after leaving the octagon, a big smile on his face. He says it might not be today, it might not be tomorrow. But soon, Brock Lesnar is going to return and reclaim what was his. #30 at the Royal Rumble. Wins. Demands the next night not just to take on one champion - he wants both, whoever they are. And then, at Wrestlemania 28, in front of a crowd the size of which Lesnar hadn't seen since 2003 at Safeco Field, he defeats both the World Champion and the WWE Champion to become the first Undisputed WWE Champion since 2002.

The prophecy fulfilled, since Lesnar was the last to hold such a distinction.

The End, ends. What was his, now reclaimed.

And then.........well, like a good conspiracy, there always needs to be something left to the wilds of imagination! So I will allow you, dear reader, to continue this...'story'...in the comments below. And feel free to tell me I'm nuts, or that this is all just a bunch of hooey. But remember, you do so at your own risk. For as anyone who has been at the forefront of a conspiracy knows - that's exactly how they want you to react.
]]>Skyward Cinemahttp://forum.ewrestlingnews.com/entry.php?40222-Conspiracy-Theory-1-Brock-Lesnar-1-2-12